Electric wind adjustable fresnel reflector solar concentrator

Abstract

This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array by rapid-response motorless linear motion, angular deflection, and rotational motion utilizing electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and / or neutrals. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control is achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control over a wide range of dimensions and signal bandwidth with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication at the micro and nanotechnology realms. Furthermore it provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture from the nano-to the macro-realm.

Description

FILED OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention provides a better means to achieve affordable solar energy than by a conventional tracking heliostat array. In the latter, enabling the optical elements to be movable generally requires many large heavy motors that consume a great deal of power. This results in an expensive, bulky, and ponderous heliostat that is unfavorable for rooftop and other applications where much weight cannot be tolerated. The present invention functions in solar concentrators and similar equipment much the same as parabolic dish and parabolic trough concentrators, without their disadvantages of bulk and weight. The angular alignment of the optical elements (mirrors, refractors, lenses, etc.) is accomplished by a rocket-like thrust of an Electric Wind rather than with cumbersome motors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]The instant invention related generally to larger scale Solar Energy Concentrators than for example in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,133,183 by M. Rabinowitz. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0045]In the Electric Wind adjustable Fresnel reflector solar concentrator that has been developed, the Electric Wind aligns the optical elements to concentrate solar energy on a receiver having dimensions small compared to the dimensions of the array. This permits the focal point of the array to remain focused on the receiver over the course of a day and throughout the year.

[0047]There are many aspects and applications of this invention, which provides techniques applicable individually or in combination as an actuator, for motion control, and for positioning of the optical elements of a solar concentrator and similar equipment. The broad general concept of this invention relates to the actuation, motion production and control, and positioning resulting from an “Electric Wind” which herein shall mean the force due to electrons, ions, and neutrals in electric fields. The instant invention can perform dynamic motion control over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters, i.e. from the nano-range, through the micro-range, through the mini-range to the macro-range in a broad scope of applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) such as a solar concentrator, and in similar equipment such as optical switching to macro-positioning. Motorless linear motion, angular deflection, and continuous rotation are achieved without recourse to magnetic fields thus eliminating the need for coils. Furthermore, the instant invention permits less costly and greater ease of manufacture while providing well-defined motion and position control.

Problems solved by technology

No prior art was found related to positioning and motion control by electrons, ions and neutrals in electric fields of adjustable reflecting elements in a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator.

They operate at very high levels of power consumption, and utilize exotic types of propellants, producing large amounts of pollution by-products.

Except for applications in outer space such devices are for the most part not practical due to their size, weight and power requirements.

No prior art was found that utilized field emission for force production in a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator.

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